Member Article

West Yorkshire has ‘Space for Growth’

Small businesses and organisations across Leeds and Huddersfield are being given the chance to grow and move into premises- for free- thanks to a new Government initiative.

Space for Growth has just been launched in the region, offering rent-free desk space, meeting rooms and some retail space to private sector start-ups, charities and social enterprises. The scheme is making space available in Government buildings and gives business the opportunity to grow from home working to an office environment.

Small start-ups, social enterprises and charities can now use vacant Government desks free of charge and follows a pledge by the Prime Minister to provide 300 office spaces across the country.

The two locations in West Yorkshire that are now available are Queen Street, close to Leeds city centre, and the former Army Careers information office in Huddersfield.

Queen Street has ten available workstations and, if demand is high, there is also capacity to expand. Currently the ground floor wing is fully up and running with work stations, wifi and office furniture.

In Huddersfield, pop-up retail space or office space is available at the former Army Careers information office in Kirkgate, to the east of the town centre, in a grade 2 listed building.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “The Government believes that SMEs are key drivers for economic growth and that fledgling social enterprises can build strong communities. That is why it has committed to giving these organisations a helping hand in the early stages and we’re looking forward to accommodating some interesting businesses in our properties over the coming months.”

Workstations can be booked on a flexible basis, from just half a day to full-time. People can register and book space via www.gov.uk/rent-government-workspace

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .